The Crisis of Legacy:

Abstract

This study examines the life-satisfaction of a group of elderly women religious (Catholic sisters). It focuses on the lifelong development experienced by the women and presents their self erceptions as women aging in a community with few young members. The findings indicate that certain common factors influenced the women's early life decisions to enter the convent, that their worklives are important to their personal development, and their retirement is that of the nontraditional woman. In terms of late-life satisfaction, the women rated hieh in health, family involvements and spiritual achievement. There is concern, however, for the legacy that they leave: this is resolved through passive mastery. Excerpts from the in-depth interviews provide the context for discussion.